Coffee and caffeine

Coffee is one of the most consumed and commercialized beverages worldwide. It is obtained from the roasted and subsequently ground beans of the coffee tree or coffee plant. Caffeine in controlled doses works as a very effective stimulant and is used in the elaboration of medicines to treat tiredness.

Something less known is that caffeine is widely used in the world of fitness and nutrition, such is the case that there are numerous supplements that include caffeine in their composition. For example, we have fat burners, who rarely do not make use of caffeine as a metabolism accelerator compound, taking advantage of its ability to increase body temperature and influence fat burning.

All these issues will be analyzed in the following guide, so that we can approach the fundamental characteristics and benefits of coffee consumption, as well as the adverse effects of its abuse.

Coffee and anti-nutrients

One of the most frequent reasons why it is suggested to follow a carnivorous diet is to avoid antinutrients. While nutrients are indispensable for the correct functioning of living beings, antinutrients prevent them from being absorbed correctly.

These compounds can be found naturally in plant foods and plants, so while many animals use strategies to defend themselves from predators, plants use antinutrients as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from being eaten by insects.

Phytic acid, lectins, tanninostannins, oxalates, saponins and avidin are the best known and most studied antinutrients. Their adverse effects on human health range from blocking nutrients to the body, to causing headaches, intestinal bloating and kidney stones.

As we know, coffee is a plant, so it possesses anti-nutrients. These are tannins and xanthines, which decrease the assimilation of vitamin B1 and B12 and block the absorption of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, lead and iron.

However, in moderate amounts, coffee consumption will not cause such effects. The antinutrients present in your infusion are found in small doses.

The great controversy surrounding coffee is not centered on its composition of antinutrients, but rather on caffeine, for which reason we will now address the fundamental aspects related to this.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural substance present in certain plants, although it can be produced artificially, it acts on the nervous system, fulfilling a stimulant function. This occurs with great speed thanks to its capacity to be easily absorbed by the brain, so it does not accumulate in the bloodstream. It can be found naturally in mate, tea, coffee leaves, chocolate, among others.

Caffeine during training

Caffeine, besides having a direct effect as a stimulant of the central nervous system, has favorable characteristics in the acceleration of the metabolic reactions, this allows the blood pumping to be boosted and the body temperature to increase, making the fat burning process much more effective during training.

The effects of caffeine consumption do not take long to be noticed, one hour is enough to feel the stimulus coming from it, extending its effects for more than three hours. Taking this into account, it is recommended to consume it pre-workout so that its effects have a greater intensity during our training sessions. After training, its consumption can help us in the recomposition and mitigation of muscle fatigue caused by exercise.

The studies carried out show that caffeine increases its effectiveness during intensive workouts, and its consumption is recommended during exhausting and physically demanding sessions. Here caffeine will play an important role in coping with fatigue, muscular fatigue and the reduction of physical pain. The adrenaline released will provide you with an energizing element that will be useful to increase your performance to the maximum.

Adverse effects

One of the most